WASHINGTON TWP. — A Gloucester County Sheriff’s Department K-9 dog bit a jogger at Washington Lake Park last week while the dog was arriving for training as part of its daily routine, authorities said.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 6, the dog’s handler was attempting to put the unit’s leash on for socialization and tactics training when a jogger in a long-sleeved, hooded sweatshirt “ran by very close to the door,” said Undersheriff Glenn Hammell.

“Looking at it the way we have, the dog was apparently startled,” said Hammell. “For some reason - perhaps because of the jogger’s proximately to the vehicle - the dog thought his handler was being threatened. Exposing the K-9 to people in everyday situations is part of his training. Unfortunately, he got past the officer that quick.”

The K-9 unit, named Nomad, bit a 54-year-old Washington Township resident whose identity was withheld to respect the privacy of the victim, authorities said.

“This was an accidental dog bite, not intentional,” Hammell said. “As with any dog bite situation like this, the animal has been quarantined for ten days to make sure no problems arise with the bite. He’s been quarantined with a handler he routinely lives with.”

The dog has done numerous public appearances without issue prior to this incident, Hammell said, and has always been an outstanding unit. However, the department continues to review the specifics of the situation.

“It’s still under investigation,” Hammells said. “We’re looking at ways we can prevent this from ever happening again.